This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to the Minnesota Constitution, specifically to Article V, Section 3, which would grant the governor the authority to declare an emergency. The amendment stipulates that the governor's emergency declaration can last for seven days unless extended by a majority vote of the legislature. Additionally, the proposed amendment requires that the question of whether to amend the constitution be submitted to voters during the 2026 general election, with the amendment taking effect on January 1, 2027, if ratified.

Furthermore, the bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, Section 12.31, subdivision 2, to update the procedures surrounding peacetime emergency declarations. The duration of a peacetime emergency is extended from five to seven days before requiring legislative approval for continuation. The bill also clarifies that if the legislature is not in session during an emergency declaration, the governor must convene both houses immediately. The amendments aim to enhance the governor's ability to respond to emergencies while ensuring legislative oversight. The effective date for these statutory changes is also set for January 1, 2027, contingent upon the adoption of the constitutional amendment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 12.31